Beginning a New Year

A new year has begun and there are so many mysteries ahead! It is always refreshing to begin anew, to completely start over. It is a wonderful thing that we have a yearly calendar that tells us to go forward, to plan and to have dreams. We are to live in forward motion.

The Holy Scriptures are always directing our future steps:

"Therefore, gird your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior, because it is written, "You shall be holy as I am Holy."                       1 Peter 1:13-16

This a beautiful challenge that comes straight from our Heavenly Father. We are to be moving forward, not spending our time looking back. We can always learn from our past but we are not to allow it to pull us backward or freeze us in place. This can happen if we allow the enemy room in our minds to torment us. We need to be like the little chickadees that flit about my backyard. They do not worry about their past. They are content right where they are and they are well provided for. 

Just as we can learn from watching the birds as our example, we are further challenged by the Lord to have hope for our future. Our actions should be filled with efforts to glorify our heavenly Father.  Actions speak louder than words.

My hope is that we will see the hand of God moving in our midst this year. We have had extreme life pattern changes as we walked through a year where there was a global pandemic. People lost their jobs, livelihoods, and had to distance themselves from one another. Most of our extracurricular activities were brought to a halt. Thankfully, this is a new year. Let's make it worth living.

A good question to ask ourselves is how can we bring glory and honor to Jesus Christ? Is there something specific that the Lord is calling you or me to do? Are there actions that we can take to be more effective in ministry or in my work world. Can I do something to point my family and friends in a positive direction? 

The Word of God is always the first place to go when we are looking for direction. Through reading the Word our mind is refreshed, restored and renewed. We can see examples of God calling regular people to do mighty exploits for Him. He redirects our paths from unright living to righteous living. We find forgiveness, cleansing and mercy. We are directed forward to higher standards and clearer purposes. 

Allow yourself to dream! What makes you tick? Where are you finding fulfilment? What talents or abilities do you have that need to be brushed off or shined up? We are all unique and have diverse giftings. Meditate on the good things that are in store for you. Make sure that you leave your bad attitudes behind so that you can break out and make a difference in your own life first. Your enthusiasm will be catching to those who surround your life.

Our new year can and will bring honor and glory to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We need His Holy Spirit more than ever to perform and accomplish the walk that He is calling each of us to walk. This is a mighty challenge to march forward as a soldier in the Lord's army bringing a renewed strength and holiness to our world. Don't be fooled, Jesus Christ is still on the throne.

Desire to be holy as He is Holy! This challenge will bring victory!

Happy New Year!

 

Trusting God as a Homemaker

 The call not to work outside of your home was a big decision. It may have been a huge sacrifice financially, but you felt the Lord challenging you to do this very thing. Some of us are called to stay home with our children. Others of us laid down our jobs to return to homemaking without understanding the reasons or the impact that it would definitely make in our lives and our family.

This is a trust issue. It is much easier to say we trust in the Lord when we are self sufficient financially. But our Lord loves us so much that He desires to plunge deeper in a relationship with us. He proves Himself as provider so that we will recognize His goodness and give Him all the glory for it.

Not everyone is called to this so don't get in the place of judging others for not doing this or expecting others to follow you in this endeavor. This is an individual call on your life. It is very personal.

I was called by the Lord to stay home when my children were very small. We went without fancy vacations and often had only one car in the driveway. I found shopping at garage sales or consignment shops actually fun. The days were sometimes very long and there were not a lot of accolades or pats on the back for a job well done. In retrospect, it was worth it all! Strong family bonds are created and in my case my own children have chosen to stay home with their children.

I worked part time through the years my children attended school, but was called to leave a job that I truly enjoyed after my children were grown, married and independent from me. This gave me different days to fill which always pushes me to ask the Lord for direction, leading and guiding, throughout each day. My reliance and trust in the Lord was strengthened like never before. 

In my own personal situation I was able to keep my home running smoothly, making it a true haven for my husband to come home to after his long work day. It freed us up for church ministry and gave me opportunity to meet with friends and family during the day, which was a reciprocal time of encouragement. My love for drawing, painting and writing were blossoming.

The Lord is continually calling us to a higher standard as we see in the scriptures;

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

In my own feeble understanding I can be misled. If you desire to bring God glory in your life you need to trust Him and obey. Reading your Bible everyday and asking the Lord for wisdom and guidance through prayer, you will find His wonderful direction that comes with fulfillment. You will become more sensitive to His choices for you as an individual and will find the time you are given will be full and complete.

Take Aways:

* Trust the Lord

* Know that God is your provider

* Find contentment in what you have

* Listen for His leading as you read the Word and pray

* Give God the glory!

Trusting in the Lord

 As we live in this topsy turvy world we may find it hard to trust the Lord. Are we able to trust our neighbor, family member or church leaders? Can we put our full trust in government officials and leaders? How are you doing with trusting other countries and signed political agreements? 

Diversion and anxiousness affect our mind and spirit when we take into consideration the changes that are being forced upon us at the present time. As newer believers in Christ we must change the direction of our eyes and ears. We are now being conformed into Christ's image. Our eyes should be reading God's Word and our ears listening to grounded teachers and Preachers.

The scripture clearly points us in the direction of trust. This trust is not in ourselves but in Him:

"Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness." Psalm 37:3

Astoundingly our disposition and attitudes take a Godly turn. When individuals have differing opinions we  can find room in our hearts to love them. Prayer is the key to staying in line with our Lord. He endows upon us His wisdom and direction. Our trust in the Word grows within us. This is a  true cultivating of the Spirit. The awesome truth is our God is changing us but He never changes. He is the same yesterday, today and forever!

Fears and phobias will dissipate as we trust in the Lord. Our old ways, bondages and hurts will fall away, bringing in hope, love and peace. You are becoming a better neighbor, friend, sister or brother. The world will recognize Jesus in us because we will be known by our love.

Give your heart over fully today to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and His precious Word. Trust will change your heart and bring you victory!

I love what Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 4:15-18:

"For all things are for your sakes that the grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God. Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal."

Todays takeaways:

*Give your fears and anxieties to the Lord

*Redirect your eyes and ears

*Cultivate the Word in your heart and mind

*Trust the Lord Jesus Christ fully

Making the Lord a Priority in Your Retirement Years

 ARE YOU WATCHING THE CLOCK DURING THE DAY?

Time flies! How do we use it? We can never have a do-over! We can not retrieve it. By now you’ve lived some life and understand how the minutes in our day slip away. Chances are that you’ve proclaimed, “I don’t have enough time!” As I mature the time goes by faster than ever. I can’t seem to slow it down. There are definitely some ways to make our time productive without exhausting oneself. God created time. He gave us twenty four hours everyday so let’s reevaluate how we use it.

WHERE DOES THE LORD FIT INTO YOUR DAY?

There is only one way to control time for the Lord and that is purposely setting time aside to spend in prayer and reading His Word. This allows Him to speak back to us through His Word or His still small voice. When I do this I am prepared for whatever invades my day. Ask yourself if you have made time to spend with the Lord? Is it in your daily plan?

WHAT DO YOU DO WITH MOST OF YOUR TIME?

Let’s face it, our lives are filled with busyness. Some of us are working a job. Others of us are retired but are amazed at how much we still have to do. We are all squeezing in groceries, cleaning, preparing meals, traveling, paying bills, and helping our children with their children. The list is endless. It is important to set aside what I am doing and savor the moments that I have with friends and family. Nothing compares to in-depth conversation. Too often we can skim the surface, not stopping to hear the full story or depth of emotion.

I find it just as important to pencil in coffee with a friend as it is to determine the time in my day that I set aside for writing or artwork. It is too easy to seclude myself so I can feel that I have accomplished my goal and miss out on something important happening around me. How do I ensure that I am doing what I need to do or go where I need to go?

DEVOTE TIME TO THE LORD.

When you make time for God, you will be amazed at how much better your day unfolds. You will redeem the time that is given and will look back on your day with a feeling of contentment. Plan ahead, make a decision be diligent to follow through

I have gotten into a routine in the morning. As soon as I awake I make myself a hot cup of coffee, get in my comfortable chair, drag a blanket over my lap and then read a short devotional. This helps me to immediately start reflecting on Jesus. I then turn to my Bible and ask the Lord to clear my thoughts so that I can receive His thoughts. I do not rush this. It’s important to sit and ponder what I am reading. Sometimes I will journal passages that speak to my heart that day. I then sit back and rest in the Lord while lifting up praise and petitions to Him.

“THERE IS AN APPOINTED TIME FOR EVERYTHING AND THERE IS A TIME FOR EVERY EVENT UNDER HEAVEN.”   ECCLESIASTES 3:1

PROMPT

Take some time right now to talk with Jesus. It can be as little as five minutes — there’s no pressure! Read Ecclesiastes 3:1 and ask Jesus to tell you what He’s appointed for you in this day? What does He want you to say “yes” to? What does he want you to say “no” or “not now” to in your life? Whatever He says, thank Him for His love and instruction, rest in His presence, and then go enjoy the time set before you.

Find Refreshment Through the Holy Spirit in Retirement

 DO I NEED MORE OF HIS SPIRIT NOW THAT I AM RETIRED?

As a mature Christian that has the freedom to choose what we will accomplish each day we are in need of the Holy Spirit more than ever before. When we were younger it seemed like we had endless years stretching out before us. We now come to realize that time is slipping away and there is so much that still needs to be done to leave a lasting imprint on family, friends and society. 

BE FILLED AND REFILLED!

This is not the time to start coasting in life. This is an important time to be filled and refilled by the Holy Spirit of God. The Spirit desires to give us wisdom on a daily basis. Whether you have household chores to accomplish or people to meet with, the Spirit is happy to lead. It is a wonderful experience to be in the right place at the right time. With the Holy Spirit leading you will find more opportunities to share God’s truths and His love. 

I’M SAVED, WHY DO I NEED TO ASK FOR MORE?

The scripture reminds us that we are in need of His Spirit. We are influenced by this world constantly and it taints how we think and react. We need to be saturated daily with His Spirit to counteract this. 

1 Corinthians 2:12-13 says:

“Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things freely given to us by God, which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words.”

HERE’S A GREAT SUGGESTION FOR BEING REFILLED.

Spend time sitting alone in His presence. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you. Allow the Spirit to minister to your needs.

 Find refreshment and restoration in your relationship with the Living God through these precious moments. You will find peace and fulfillment and be recharged for the day ahead. 

His Spirit will gently speak and lead you with his direction and even correction. Rejoice in the fact that the Lord is never finished with us until we take our final breath on this side of heaven.

Victorious Living as a Mature Christian

 FREEDOM REIGNS WHEN WE LIVE VICTORIOUSLY!

Walking with the Lord over a period of years is a wonderful experience. The brothers and sisters in Christ that we have had the privilege to know and grow with is diverse to say the least. Over the years we have opened our hearts to receive from Bible teachings, retreats, church services, prayer groups and home fellowships. 

WHAT ARE YOU DESIRING?

Hopefully we are now self-feeders by consistently reading the Word and devoting time to communicate to Jesus in Prayer. There should be a striving to be more Christ like. This is done by tuning in to the still small voice of Christ through His Spirit. That voice can approve our actions, spur us on or suggest a laying down of things in our lives that could be hindering the move of His Spirit.

HOW ARE YOU SPENDING YOUR TIME?

Journeying through life with Christ has brought us to a time where we have freedom to decide what we will or will not do. It is more important than ever to have an ear to hear His daily direction. It is too easy to while away the hours of each day in a floundering fashion.

STRUGGLES ARE REAL.

Are there things in your life that you have a strong desire to accomplish? Are there expectations laid upon you by others that are unrealistic or even condemning? Are you experiencing feelings of inadequacy or regrets? Struggles are real. Turn to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. He will direct your steps while giving you His strength and wisdom to accomplish whatever it is that He has gifted you to do. 

COMPLETE FREEDOM IS COMING!

We haven’t arrived to perfection yet. Complete freedom comes when we depart from these fleshly bodies to live in heaven with the Lord for eternity. What a glorious day that will be! No more Satan and his minions to buffet our minds, body and soul. We are now free from condemnation, grief, despair and disillusionment. 

LIVE VICTORIOUSLY!

The battle isn’t over until it is over. We will live victoriously for eternity, but Jesus desires us to live victoriously in the here and now. Meditate on the scriptures that have given you assurance and direction. Praise the King of Kings and Lord of Lords who paid the penalty for our past, present and future sins by spilling His precious blood on the cross. Rest in the knowledge that God is in control. Enjoy your freedom and take joy in His personal presence and love.

HERE IS A GREAT SCRIPTURE TO DWELL ON;

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:1-2

POSITIVE STEPS:

*Draw close to the Lord through His Word and prayer

*Ask for daily direction.

*Run to Jesus when you experience condemnation.

*Praise the Lord for His goodness.

*Embrace freedom!

Mature Christians Must Grow in His Word

 IS YOUR CONFIDENCE IN THE WORD OF GOD?

Amazingly to me, individuals that have been walking with the Lord for many years, conversation never seem to turn to the Lord or His Word. Seemingly the Word of God has been pushed to the sidelines as people focus on all the enticements and distractions of the surrounding world.

ARE YOU STILL GROWING?

As mature Christians we should have developed a healthy pattern of reading the Word as a part of our daily diet. Just as quickly as we reach for the first cup of coffee or power drink we should be opening our Bible for a healthy dose of truth to stimulate our mind and spirit for the day ahead.

NO COASTING!

This is not the time to coast. This is the time to dig in. We do not know how much time we have left on this side of heaven. We need to use our time wisely and effectively to reach our friends and family. The Word will catapult you forward with purpose and drive. You may have more time for yourself now that you are retired or your children have grown. You no longer have to fulfill the desire of your boss or cart children around to all of their activities. 

THE LORD DESIRES TO DIRECT YOU.

The Word continually changes your heart and directs your steps if you allow it. The Lord desires that your heart becomes like His. He came to the earth to serve mankind, not to be served. We must ask ourselves if we are missing opportunities to better serve others. Are we bringing others joy, hope or peace?

BE HIS INSTRUMENT.

Allowing yourself to be an instrument of the Lord will bring interesting challenges. Life continues to be exciting as you continue reading and studying the Word because you acquire wisdom and knowledge from above. When someone questions you about your faith or why you think the way you do, you will have answers that come from the very mouth of God. 

THE FOLLOWING SCRIPTURE WILL DESCRIBE YOU AS YOU MATURE IN THE WORD AND THE LORD:

“Be diligent to present yourself approved of God, as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the Word of truth.” 2Timothy 2:15

TODAY’S TAKEAWAY:

 *Continue the pattern of reading the Word daily

 *Look for opportunities to share the Word with others

 *Ask the Lord for His purpose and direction

 *Serve others